So I'm driving to a nearby town yesterday and my truck just starts overheating bad just as I'm getting there. The truck set for a few hours and cooled down. So I added a gallon of coolant and also noticed that the oil level was low, so I topped it off and headed back home. I made it to about 15 or 20 miles from home and it started overheating again. The kicker is it didn't start overheating again for at least 30 min. The radiator is still full, and I'm pretty sure the coolant is circulating. The only thing I can think of is a t-stat aside from mechanical failure. Any input??

 

I pulled off the radiator cap earlier, while the engine was cold, and started it. The coolant level started to rise after just a couple of minutes, as if the system was under pressure. Loooked like maby a blown head gasket was pressuring the system?
Anyone??

 

Has the HG recall been done?
If not, you're in the 'zone'.
Do you check your coolant regularly?
Losing a little bit each day?
If so, head gasket is a good guess.

 

You added a gallon of coolant? It sounds pretty low. You may just have an air pocket in there that needs to get worked out. If it overheats, stop the truck and wait for it to cool down enough to remove the cap. Check to make sure your heater control is set to max and leave it there to ensure that there are no air gaps in your heater. If you hear gurgling sounds or water swishing, it's more than likely air in your system.

Troy

 

I don't think it's an air pocket. I think that the coolant lost was just purged when it over heated. The truck has been driven every day since I bought it three years ago and never had this problem till now. As for the HG recall, I'm not sure if it has been done or not. Do you think a compression test will point me in the right direction?

 

Yes, do a compression test. A significant difference in pressure between adjacent cylinders may be an indication of a HG failure. Also look for oil in your coolant and vice versa. Do you smell any sweet smelling stuff coming out of your exhaust? Also, check all your coolant lines, esp. the ones tucked away in the back of the engine.

Troy

 

Thanks for the input. I'll Have to do some more trouble shooting. I'm really kind-of leaning toward another truck, or possibly a 4Runner.

 

Has the ignition timing been messed with recently? Incorrect timing can cause you to overheat. I hate to even think it, but it's probably time to look under the oil cap for a milky substance. If it's clean, cross your fingers and do the compression tests. I'd replace that t-stat first though.

 

just call toyota and tell them the vin # and find out if the hg have been done if they havent take it in because thats what it sounds like is happening

 

Thanks so much forall you guys' help, but I made the decision today and bought a 96' 4Runner, and it's cherry, and I love it!! Tomorrow I'll swap out my roof rack and I'll love it even more, that is untill I get it a little further off the ground! Thanks again!!